Apparatus for styling hair

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for styling hair including a plurality of hair curling rollers manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. Each of such rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of such first end and such second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of such rollers for a predetermined distance. The cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. A hair gripping device is releasably connected to such rollers at a predetermined end thereof. A securing device is releasably connected to such rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon such rollers to at least one of such roller and a predetermined location on such user&#39;s head.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/882,327 filed Dec. 28, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to hairstyling devices and, more particularly, this invention relates to curlers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, curlers and curling irons, as are generally well known in the prior art, have been used to curl and style hair.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Prijic, U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,776, provides a hair crimping apparatus. A modular tray includes a series of corrugations including ridges and troughs extending laterally thereof and defined on one face thereof. Individual clamp rods corresponding to each trough on the face of the tray are pivoted to the side edges of the tray. The end edges of each tray terminate between a trough and a ridge, and a male and female mating connection is provided to connect the respective end edges of the modular trays so that the modular trays can be connected end to end so as to provide an extended tray with the same wave pattern.

Lin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,980 provides a hair roller including a rod made of liquid absorbing material, a cover pivotally connected with an end of the rod, made of liquid absorbing material and formed with a plurality of slots, and a flexible member partially inserted into the rod and capable of being bent on the cover, whereby the hair roller may facilitate curling hair.

Ferens, U.S. Pat. No. 3,500,837, discloses a hair curler comprising a hollow tube having a strip of resilient material fixed at one end. The strip is adapted to pass over the hair curled on the tube and be secured to the opposite end of the tube.

Hall, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,530,197, discloses a curler which includes a tubular body portion, a flap-like extension connected by a hinge portion to the body portion and capable of being in an open and closed position, and a loop connected to the body portion for encircling the opposite end of the body portion.

Laskaris, U.S. Pat. No. 2,249,315, discloses a hair curler which includes a tubular core, a clip pivoted adjacent an end of the core, a peripheral flange fixed to the core at one and having its peripheral end inturned, a peripheral flange telescopically fitting over the opposite end of the core and removable therefrom, a rotatably mounted member, a spring clamp, and a latching engagement.

None of these cited patents, however, provides a curler or a curler with a hinged starter grip to facilitate easy rolling of hair and produce a superior curl.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for styling hair including a plurality of hair curling rollers, manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of such rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of the first end and the second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of such rollers for a predetermined distance, such cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. A hair gripping means is at least one of releasably and securably connected to such rollers at a predetermined end thereof. It is presently preferred that such hair gripping means is releasably connected to such rollers. A securing means is releasably connected to such rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon such rollers to at least one of such roller and a predetermined location on such user's head.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of hair curling rollers, manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of such rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of such first end and such second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of such rollers for a predetermined distance, such cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape, and such cavity further being adapted to receive and retain heat. A hair gripping means is at least one of releasably and securably connected to such rollers at a predetermined end thereof. It is presently preferred that such hair gripping means is releasably connected to such rollers. A housing for holding such rollers includes a plurality of spaced-apart substantially vertically disposed heat transfer units operably connected to the housing at a predetermined location therein for fitting within such cavities of such curlers and transferring heat thereto. A heating source is located within such housing and operably connected to the heat transfer units for generating heat and communicating heat to the heat transfer units. A power source is operably connected to both a power supply and such heating source for supplying power to such heating source such that heat may be generated by such heating source. A securing means is releasably connected to such rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon such rollers to at least one of such roller and a predetermined location on such user's head.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a curling apparatus which is easy to use and produces a superior curl.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a curling apparatus which, by virtue of its ease of use, can be used to curl hair faster and with superior results than traditional non-heated curlers and heated curling irons.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a heated curler with a handheld roller applicator.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a safe way for a user to handle a heated curler.

An another object of the present invention is provide a curler with a hinged gripping means to secure hair to the roller prior to the hair being completely rolled onto the curler and secured.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a hair curling roller according to one embodiment of the invention in which the gripping means includes a handle.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus for styling hair according to one embodiment of the invention in which the curlers are heated.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a hair curling roller according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a hair curling roller with a hair gripping means attached thereto.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a hair curling roller with a hair gripping means securably attached thereto wherein such hair gripping means further includes a handle according to one embodiment of the invention and a securing means is also shown attached.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a hair curling roller with a securing means releasably attached thereto according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus for styling hair according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an apparatus for styling hair according to one embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-8.

According to a first embodiment, an apparatus for styling hair, generally designated 10, includes a plurality of hair curling rollers 12, manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of such rollers 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16, a cavity 18 formed adjacent at least one of the first end 14 and the second end 16 and extending along a longitudinal axis of such rollers 12 for a predetermined distance, such cavity 18 being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.

A hair gripping means 20 is at least one of releasably and securably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined end thereof. It is presently preferred that such hair gripping means 20 is releasably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined end thereof. A securing means 22 is releasably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user (not shown) rolled upon such rollers 12 to at least one of such roller 12 and a predetermined location on such user's head (not shown).

According to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, such apparatus for styling hair 10 includes a plurality of hair curling rollers 12 manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of such rollers having a first end 14 and a second end 16, a cavity 18 formed adjacent at least one of such first end 14 and such second end 16 and extending along a longitudinal axis of such rollers 12 for a predetermined distance. The cavity 18 being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape, and the cavity 18 further being adapted to receive and retain heat. It is presently preferred that such cavities of such rollers 12 extend entirely through such rollers 12 from end to end. A hair gripping means 20 is at least one of securably and releasably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined end thereof. It is presently most preferred that such hair gripping means 20 is releasably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined end thereof. A housing 40 for holding such rollers 12 includes a plurality of spaced-apart substantially vertically disposed heat transfer units 42 operably connected to such housing 40 at a predetermined location therein for fitting within the cavities 18 of such curlers 12 and transferring heat thereto. A heating source 44 is located within the housing 40 and operably connected to the heat transfer units 42 for generating heat and communicating heat to the heat transfer units 42. A power source 46 is operably connected to both a power supply 47 and the heating source 44 for supplying power to the heating source 44 such that heat may be generated by the heating source 44. A securing means 22 is releasably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon such rollers 12 to at least one of such roller 12 and a predetermined location on such user's head.

In the presently preferred embodiment the housing 40 includes a cover 50. It is presently most preferred that such cover 50 is hinged.

It is further presently preferred that the housing 40 includes a drawer 52 operably connected to a lower portion 54 of the housing 40, such drawer 52 being adaptable to slide open and closed.

It is presently preferred that the hair gripping means 20 is an elongated tube 24 having a handle 26 at a first end 28 thereof and at a second end 30 thereof being adaptable to fit within such cavities 18 of the hair curling rollers 12. Such hair gripping means 20 further having a hinged flap 32 operably connected at predetermined location thereon and such hair gripping means 20 further including a means 34 for moving the hinged flap 32 from a closed position (as depicted in FIG. 1) to an open position (as depicted in FIG. 4) and from the open position to the closed position such that when the second end of the elongated tube 24 is within the cavity 18 of such roller 12 the hinged flap 32 may be used to engage a user's hair between such roller 12 and such flap 32, thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon the roller 12 when the flap 32 is in the closed position holding the hair between the roller 12 and the flap 32. Thereafter such user may release such user's hair when in the flap 32 is in the open position thereby permitting such user to implement the securing means 22.

It is presently preferred that the housing 40 includes an indicator means 58 operably connected to the housing 40 and the heating source 44, for indicating a predetermined level of heat of such heating source 44. It is presently most preferred that such indicator means 58 is at least one of a light 60 and an audible alarm.

It is further presently preferred that such housing 40 includes a temperature control means 62 operably connected to the housing 40 and the heating source 44, for enabling such user to choose a predetermined amount of heat to be supplied by the heating source 44 to the heat transfer units 42.

It is further presently preferred that such housing 40 includes a timing means 63 operably connected to such housing 40 and such heating source 44, such that the timing means 63 is adaptable for at least one of enabling a user to choose a predetermined time at which such heating source 44 will begin to transfer heat to the heat transfer units 42 and a predetermined time at which such heating source 44 will discontinue transferring heat to such heat transfer units 42, if such user does not choose a predetermined time to discontinue the transfer of heat then after a predetermined interval of time has passed from the time such heating source 44 began transferring heat to the heat transfer units 42 such heating source 44 will discontinue transferring heat.

It is further presently preferred that such rollers include a cool grip portion 66 for grasping by a user, such cool grip portion 66 remaining cool to the touch despite heat transfer from the heat transfer units 42 to such rollers 12. Such user will be able to grasp the heated rollers by touching the cool grip portion and will be protected from burning such user's skin.

It is also presently preferred that such rollers 12 are between about ½ inch to 1½ inches in diameter. It is presently most preferred that such rollers 12 are formed in at least two different sizes.

In yet another embodiment, the hair gripping means 20 is a hinged flap 32 operably connected to such rollers 12 at a predetermined end thereon and such hair gripping means 20 further includes a means 34 for moving such hinged flap from a closed position to an open position and from the open position to the closed position, such that the hinged flap 32 may be used to engage such user's hair between such roller 12 and the flap 32 thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon such roller 12 when the flap 32 is in the closed position over such user's hair. Such user is able to remove the gripping means 20 from the roller 12 and rolled hair when the hinged flap 32 is shifted to the open position and such user may then implement the securing means 22.

In an embodiment wherein such gripping means 20 is securably attached to such rollers 12, the securing means 22 would be implemented over the roller 12, the rolled hair, and the flap 32.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for styling hair comprising: a. a plurality of hair curling rollers manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of said rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of said first end and said second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of said rollers for a predetermined distance, said cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. b. a hair gripping means releasably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereof; and c. a securing means releasably connected to said rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon said rollers to at least one of said rollers and a predetermined location on a user's head.
 2. An apparatus for styling hair comprising: a. a plurality of hair curling rollers manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of said rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of said first end and said second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of said rollers for a predetermined distance, said cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape, and said cavity further being adapted to receive and retain heat; b. a hair gripping means releasably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereof; c. a housing for holding said rollers; d. a plurality of spaced-apart substantially vertically disposed heat transfer units operably connected to said housing at a predetermined location therein for fitting within said cavities of said curlers and transferring heat thereto; e. a heating source located within said housing and operably connected to said heat transfer units for generating heat and communicating heat to said heat transfer units; f. a power source operably connected to both a power supply and said heating source for supplying power to said heating source such that heat may be generated by said heating source; and d. a securing means releasably connected to said rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon said rollers to at least one of said rollers and a predetermined location on a user's head.
 3. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said housing includes a cover.
 4. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 3 wherein said cover is hinged.
 5. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said housing includes a drawer operably connected to a lower portion of said housing, said drawer being adaptable to slide open and closed.
 6. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said housing includes a timing means operably connected to said housing and said heating source, such that said timing means is adaptable for at least one of enabling a user to choose a predetermined time at which said heating source will begin to transfer heat to said heat transfer units and a predetermined time at which said heating source will discontinue transferring heat to said heat transfer units, if such user does not choose a predetermined time for said heating source to discontinue transferring heat to said heat transfer units then after a predetermined interval of time has passed from the time said heating source began transferring heat to said heat transfer units said heating source will discontinue transferring heat.
 7. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said cavities of said rollers extend entirely through said rollers from end to end.
 8. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said hair gripping means is an elongated tube having a handle at a first end thereof and at a second end thereof being adaptable to fit within said cavities of said hair curling rollers and said hair gripping means further having a hinged flap operably connected at predetermined location thereon and said hair gripping means further including a means for moving said hinged flap from a closed position to an open position and from said open position to said closed position, such that when said second end is within said cavity of said roller said hinged flap may be used to engage such user's hair between said roller and said flap, thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon said roller when said flap is in a closed position, and such user may thereafter release such user's hair when said flap is in said open position thereby permitting such user to implement said securing means.
 9. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said hair gripping means is a hinged flap operably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereon and said hair gripping means further including a means for moving said hinged flap from a closed position to an open position and from said open position to said closed position, such that said hinged flap may be used to engage such user's hair between said roller and said flap, thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon said roller when said flap is in a closed position, and such user may thereafter release such user's hair when said flap is in said open position thereby permitting such user to implement said securing means.
 10. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said housing includes an indicator means operably connected to said housing and said heating source, for indicating a predetermined level of heat of such heating source.
 11. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said indicator means is at least one of a light and an audible alarm.
 12. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said rollers include a cool grip portion for grasping by such user, said cool grip portion remaining cool to the touch despite heat transfer from said heat transfer units to said rollers.
 13. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said housing includes a temperature control means operably connected to said housing and said heating source, for enabling such user to choose a predetermined amount of heat to be supplied by said heating source to said heat transfer units.
 14. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said rollers are between about ½ inch to 1½ inches in diameter.
 15. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 2 wherein said rollers are formed in at least two different sizes.
 16. An apparatus for styling hair comprising: a. a plurality of hair curling rollers manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of said rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of said first end and said second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of said rollers for a predetermined distance, said cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape, and said cavity further being adapted to receive and retain heat; b. a hair gripping means securably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereof; c. a housing for holding said rollers; d. a plurality of spaced-apart substantially vertically disposed heat transfer units operably connected to said housing at a predetermined location therein for fitting within said cavities of said curlers and transferring heat thereto; e. a heating source located within said housing and operably connected to said heat transfer units for generating heat and communicating heat to said heat transfer units; f. a power source operably connected to both a power supply and said heating source for supplying power to said heating source such that heat may be generated by said heating source; and d. a securing means releasably connected to said rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon said rollers to at least one of said rollers and a predetermined location on such user's head.
 17. An apparatus for styling hair comprising: a. a plurality of hair curling rollers manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, each of said rollers having a first end and a second end, a cavity formed adjacent at least one of said first end and said second end and extending along a longitudinal axis of said rollers for a predetermined distance, said cavity being of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape. b. a hair gripping means securably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereof; and c. a securing means releasably connected to said rollers at a predetermined location thereon for securing hair of a user rolled upon said rollers to at least one of said roller and a predetermined location on such user's head.
 18. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 16 wherein said hair gripping means includes a handle at a first end thereof and at a second end thereof having a hinged flap operably connected at predetermined location thereon and said hair gripping means further including a means for moving said hinged flap from a closed position to an open position and from said open position to said closed position, such that said hinged flap may be used to engage such user's hair between said roller and said flap thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon said roller when said flap is in said closed position thereby permitting such user to implement said securing means and thereafter such user's hair will be released when said securing means is disengaged and said flap is in said open position.
 19. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 16 wherein said hair gripping means is a hinged flap operably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereon and said hair gripping means further including a means for moving said hinged flap from a closed position to an open position and from said open position to said closed position, such that said hinged flap may be used to engage such user's hair between said roller and said flap thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon said roller when said flap is in said closed position thereby permitting such user to implement said securing means and thereafter such user's hair will be released when said securing means is disengaged and said flap is in said open position.
 20. An apparatus for styling hair according to claim 1 wherein said hair gripping means is a hinged flap operably connected to said rollers at a predetermined end thereon and said hair gripping means further including a means for moving said hinged flap from a closed position to an open position and from said open position to said closed position, such that said hinged flap may be used to engage such user's hair between said roller and said flap thereby facilitating easy rolling of such user's hair upon said roller when said flap is in said closed position thereby permitting such user to implement said securing means and thereafter such user's hair will be released when said securing means is disengaged and said flap is in said open position. 